The IMarEST has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), an agency of the Philippine government under the Department of Transportation.

The MOU, spearheaded by Adm Santos, Chair of the IMarEST's Manila Branch, has been put in place to further support the recognition of seafarers through routes to registration, providing a pathway for seafarers to use their Certificates of Competency and experience gained, to work towards an international qualification, Chartered Marine Engineer (CMarEng) for engineers and Chartered Marine Technologist (CMarTech) for deck officers.

The programme will also see MARINA and the IMarEST support seafarers with access to information and professional development support as well as sharing and confirming outcomes of activities that both organisations are involved in. A programme of technical activity will also be initiated via the IMarEST Philippines branch which was launched in April of 2016.

“This is just the sort of programme that we are delighted to work on to support the professional development of our seafarers in response to disruptive technologies. Providing a platform of professional development via the IMarEST to enhance the knowledge and recognition, safety and efficiency of seafarers is a fantastic resource for our Filipino cadets and officers.”Administrator Marcial Quirico C Amaro III, PhD of MARINA.

The IMarEST also offers a number of online and distance learning courses in a range of maritime topics via its learning business, MLA College, which seafarers can access at sea, to support their career development.

“Supporting the development and learning of our global seafaring community is something that we are really passionate about. Not only is the MOU a way of demonstrating how a global professional body can partner with a government agency to jointly support professional development of our seafarers, but we are also offering a bursary for those who want to study at sea to further enhance their knowledge, education, qualifications and career opportunities.” David Loosley, Chief Executive, IMarEST.

The IMarEST is running a bursary scheme to support seafarers who want to study whilst at sea. Bursaries comprising up to 75% off course fees are available for anyone wishing to undertake a BSc, BSc (Hons), PGCert, PGDip, MSc or simply an access course in Sustainable Maritime Operations.